Rob Simmons ruled out of England Test

LONDON: The Wallabies' campaign to retain the Cook Cup has been dealt a blow with the loss of second-rower Rob Simmons.

Simmons, one of the team's best line out exponents and hardest working tight five forwards this season, was ruled out on Wednesday after re-injuring his left knee.

He had been carrying a medial ligament strain since hurting it early in the Wallabies' Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin a fortnight ago but was expected to start against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

His absence could force coach Ewen McKenzie to start both James Horwill and Sitaleki Timani in the second-row.

McKenzie generally considers the two tight head locks best used in combination at No.5.

Waratahs second rower Kane Douglas is expected to come onto the bench.

The news is a setback for Simmons, who returned to form this year after a lacklustre 2012 season.

The Reds lock re-strained the ligament during a non-contact session on Tuesday but was given overnight in case the swelling reduced. Medical staff ruled him out on Wednesday, with his chances of playing against Italy also under a cloud.

It is also far from ideal for the Wallabies, who will now rely solely on No.8 Ben Mowen to call the lineout with Horwill and Douglas as back-up.

McKenzie names the Wallabies team in London on Thursday morning local time (10pm, AEDT).

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/rob-simmons-ruled-out-of-england-test-20131030-2whwi.html